Socioeconomics
In the 1920's, Santa Monica was the only beach where blacks felt comfortable, since there was a historic African American neighborhood in the area. (Jean Trinh, LAist, blog posted November 20, 2013) Although desegregation of beaches in Southern California was upheld in 1927, there was still much hostility until the 1950's. This is only one example of the growing racial tensions in Southern California. (Unfortunately there is not data to support the population counts of other races in the Census Data at the time although, in the 1940's the city's population of blacks hovered at 5%.) (Social Explorer)
However due to the influx of poor migrants from the US Midwest, many of the ethnic minorities, especially the black community was still treated like second class citizens as they vied for jobs. It was even reported that situations for blacks was perhaps even better in the South. (Scott 2004, 106) It wasn't just the black population that faced discrimination and segregation in the 1930's as Mexicans and Asians also encountered prejudice. In fact, with the increasing hostility of the times, as many as 13,000 Mexicans were repatriated. (Scott 2004, 106)
By 1941, due to the already existing manufacturing and Santa Monica's ideal location, the local airport was contracted out by the Federal Government, which also served to expand the industry demand of aircrafts for World War II. ("Economic & Demographic," nd) However for many residents of the city, it also meant that Santa Monica was particularly susceptible to air raids being the headquarters of an aircraft manufacturer. The city does become a regional power due to this, but in no way, in accordance to economic maturation, did it mean that surrounding cities turned into Santa Monica's satellite cities, as the growth was regional and not just concentrated within the city boundaries. Unfortunately with the influx of jobs, the city quickly moved to eliminate very poor housing in the 1960s, thereby fully gentrifying the city by 1975. (Scott 2004,136 )The population grew to be 93,500 by that year.
From the inception of the City, not only have the industries changed the characteristics of the city as it evolved from a small beach town to a metropolis, but the racial composition of City continuously changes. Today the City is predominantly white (77.6%), which has not changed much within the last decade, with a decreasing population of Black residents, and an increase in Hispanic residents. The main difference is that now diversity is spread throughout the City, instead of predominantly in the Pico Neighborhood. A recent survey conducted by Santa Monica refers to the potential changes within the City as demographics change--an overwhelming percentage of non-Hispanic whites stated strong opposition to new hotel developments within the city. (Smith 2014) On the other hand, as the City's population shifts, much like the rest of Southern California, to a predominantly Hispanic population, it is noteworthy that 60% or more are either in favor or strongly in favor of higher density hospitality developments and transit oriented developments. (Smith 2014) It is likely the Santa Monica will continuously develop in the future in accordance to these implications of growth.
However due to the influx of poor migrants from the US Midwest, many of the ethnic minorities, especially the black community was still treated like second class citizens as they vied for jobs. It was even reported that situations for blacks was perhaps even better in the South. (Scott 2004, 106) It wasn't just the black population that faced discrimination and segregation in the 1930's as Mexicans and Asians also encountered prejudice. In fact, with the increasing hostility of the times, as many as 13,000 Mexicans were repatriated. (Scott 2004, 106)
By 1941, due to the already existing manufacturing and Santa Monica's ideal location, the local airport was contracted out by the Federal Government, which also served to expand the industry demand of aircrafts for World War II. ("Economic & Demographic," nd) However for many residents of the city, it also meant that Santa Monica was particularly susceptible to air raids being the headquarters of an aircraft manufacturer. The city does become a regional power due to this, but in no way, in accordance to economic maturation, did it mean that surrounding cities turned into Santa Monica's satellite cities, as the growth was regional and not just concentrated within the city boundaries. Unfortunately with the influx of jobs, the city quickly moved to eliminate very poor housing in the 1960s, thereby fully gentrifying the city by 1975. (Scott 2004,136 )The population grew to be 93,500 by that year.
From the inception of the City, not only have the industries changed the characteristics of the city as it evolved from a small beach town to a metropolis, but the racial composition of City continuously changes. Today the City is predominantly white (77.6%), which has not changed much within the last decade, with a decreasing population of Black residents, and an increase in Hispanic residents. The main difference is that now diversity is spread throughout the City, instead of predominantly in the Pico Neighborhood. A recent survey conducted by Santa Monica refers to the potential changes within the City as demographics change--an overwhelming percentage of non-Hispanic whites stated strong opposition to new hotel developments within the city. (Smith 2014) On the other hand, as the City's population shifts, much like the rest of Southern California, to a predominantly Hispanic population, it is noteworthy that 60% or more are either in favor or strongly in favor of higher density hospitality developments and transit oriented developments. (Smith 2014) It is likely the Santa Monica will continuously develop in the future in accordance to these implications of growth.
References: "Economic & Demographic Profile: Business & Industries." City of Santa Monica. http://www01.smgov.net/business/demographics/2006busind.htm (accessed ).
LAist. http://laist.com/2013/11/20/photos_vintage_snapshots_delve_into.php
Scott, Paula. Santa Monica: A History on the Edge. Charleston, SC., Chicago, IL., Portsmouth, NH., San Francisco, CA. : Arcadia Publishing, 2004. (accessed March 13, 2014).
Smith, Stephen. "White Santa Monicans Hate New Development, Latinos Love It." March 03, 2014, http://nextcity.org/theworks/entry/white-santa-monicans-hate-new-development-latinos-love-it (accessed March 13, 2014).
LAist. http://laist.com/2013/11/20/photos_vintage_snapshots_delve_into.php
Scott, Paula. Santa Monica: A History on the Edge. Charleston, SC., Chicago, IL., Portsmouth, NH., San Francisco, CA. : Arcadia Publishing, 2004. (accessed March 13, 2014).
Smith, Stephen. "White Santa Monicans Hate New Development, Latinos Love It." March 03, 2014, http://nextcity.org/theworks/entry/white-santa-monicans-hate-new-development-latinos-love-it (accessed March 13, 2014).